Graves opened up and the bodies of many dead saints [i.e., God’s holy people] were raised up [from the dead].
John 11:11 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) After saying these things He said to His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going to wake him up.” More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition He said these things, and then added, Our friend Lazarus is at rest and sleeping; but I am going there that I may awaken him out of his sleep. American Standard Version (1901) These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Common English Bible He continued, “Our friend Lazarus is sleeping, but I am going in order to wake him up.” Catholic Public Domain Version He said these things, and after this, he said to them: "Lazarus our friend is sleeping. But I am going, so that I may awaken him from sleep." Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version These things he said; and after that he said to them: Lazarus our friend sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep. |
Graves opened up and the bodies of many dead saints [i.e., God’s holy people] were raised up [from the dead].
He said, “Stand back, for the young lady is not [permanently] dead, but [rather] is sleeping.” And the people laughed at Him scornfully.
And when He entered [the house] He said to them, “Why are you making such a commotion and crying? The child is not [really] dead, but only sleeping.”
But if he walks at night he [might] stumble, because there is no light [to see by]. [Note: These words have a figurative meaning as Jesus is speaking about His mission in life].
But the disciples said to Him, “Lord, if he is [only] asleep, he will get well.”
Now Jesus had been talking about Lazarus’ death, but the disciples thought He was referring to normal sleep.
So, the sisters sent [someone] to Him, saying, “Look, Lord, the person you love [i.e., your dear friend, Lazarus] is sick.”
The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus’ ministry].
Then he kneeled down and called out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold them responsible for this sin [of killing me].” And when he said this he fell asleep [in death].
Come to your senses; do what is right and stop sinning. Some of you do not know God [i.e., in a personal way] I am saying this to make you ashamed.
Look, I am telling you a secret truth: We will not all die, but we will all be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually]
So, it says, “You who are asleep, wake up and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you [i.e., illuminate you].” [Note: The foregoing words may have been an early saying, used at someone’s immersion, which included the ideas of “rising up” (See Col. 2:12) and “illumination” (See Heb. 6:4) ].
who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep [i.e., alive or dead], we could live together with Him.
So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], “Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous,” and he was called God’s friend.